Frank Scalice
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Francesco "Frank" Scalice, a.k.a. "Don Cheech" (1893- June 17, 1957) was the early boss of the future Gambino crime family from 1930 to 1931, and an Underboss of the New York Anastasia crime family from 1951 until 1957.
Scalice was born in Palermo, Sicily in 1893, and immigrated to the US, and settling in Brooklyn. He was involved in many crime, and became Capo in the Brooklyn based Family of Salvatore D'Aquila.
After the murder of D'Aquila in October 10, 1928, the power in New York shifted to Joe Masseria of the Manhattan based Family. The successor of D'Aquila, Alfred "Al Mineo" Manfredi connected Masseria with the alliance, and came to conflict with Scalice.
In November 5, 1930, Mineo and his under boss Stefano "Steve" Ferrigno were murdered by Castellammarese Sicilians led by Salvatore Maranzano, and Scalice became the new Boss of the Family and became a strong ally and supporter of Maranzano in the Castellammarese War.
The Castellammarese War end in April 15, 1931 when Masseria was killed. Maranzano met with New York Bosses in May of 1931 to work out a peace plan and establish the Commission. Scalice was given a seat on the Commission and recognized as head of his Family. But, Salvatore Maranzano was murdered in September 10, 1931, and Scalice was forced to step down as Boss because of his connection to Maranzano. Vincent Mangano assumed the position of his successor. Scalice served as a follower of Mangano and Albert Anastasia.
In June 17, 1957, Scalice was assassinated at a vegetable market in at 2380 Arthur Ave. Bronx in . After his death, Carlo Gambino became Anastasia's Underboss.
| Preceded by Alfred Mineo |
Gambino Crime Family Boss 1930-1931 |
Succeeded by Vincent Mangano |
